Hancock County OhArchives History - Books .....Chapter XXX, Part III 1886
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Book Title: History Of Hancock County

CHAPTER XXX.
FINDLAY CONTINUED.

SCHOOLS AND NEWSPAPERS—FIRST SCHOOL OPENED IN THE VILLAGE—THE OLD LOG
SCHOOLHOUSE AND ITS SUCCESSOR — PIONEER SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS OF FINDLAY—PROGRESS
OF EDUCATION—PAST AND PRESENT SCHOOLS OF DISTRICT No. 9. AND THEIR
SUPERINTENDENTS SINCE 1864— ORGANIZATION OF THE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT—ITS FIRST
TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS—EARLY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION—SUPERINTENDENTS OF
THE UNION SCHOOLS SINCE 1854—GROWTH OF THE SCHOOLS AND THEIR PRESENT
EFFICIENCY—FINDLAY ACADEMICAL INSTITUTE—HANCOCK WESLEYAN SEMINARY—FINDLAY
COLLEGE—HISTORY OF THE NEWSPAPERS OF FINDLAY—THE HANCOCK COURIER—HANCOCK
REPUBLICAN— HANCOCK FARMER—WESTERN HERALD—HANCOCK WHIG AND JOURNAL-HOME
COMPANION, AND FINDLAY WEEKLY JEFFERSONIAN—DAILY JEFFERSONIAN — THE REPORTER —
FINDLAY WEEKLY REPUBLICAN — FINDLAY DAILY STAR—IMPROVEMENT IN THE PRESS WITHIN
THE PAST THIRTY YEARS.

EDUCATION is one of the most powerful factors in molding the future r*J of every
community, and without it man is not far removed from the brute creation. An
intelligent, well educated, moral man or woman is the highest example of an
enlightened civilization, but even a limited education is a wonderful
stepping-stone in the battle of life. The pioneers fully recognized this fact,
and. though generally uneducated themselves, took advantage of every legitimate
means to educate their children, as the first public building we find erected in
every village or settlement was invariably the little log schoolhouse. Findlay
was no exception to the rule. The first school in the village was taught in the
winter of 1826-27, by Joseph White, in a small log cabin east of the Sherman
House site. Squire Carlin, then a young business man of Findlay, attended this
school, and is, doubtless, its only surviving scholar now living in the county.
White settled down the Blanchard, in Liberty Township, in 1823, and three years
afterward removed into Findlay. Soon after the winter term had closed he left
for parts unknown. In 1827 a one-story hewed-log schoolhouse eighteen feet
square was built on the northwest corner of Crawford and East Streets, on Lot
141, donated by Vance & Cory for that purpose, and here a school was opened by
John C. Wickham in the winter of 1827-28. This old log building was used about
eight or nine years. Miss Melinda V. Strother, Edson Goit and a few others,
whose names are not remembered, teaching there after Mr. Wickham. The building
was utilized for various purposes, such as schoolhouse, court house, church and
private residence, and seems to have been admirably adapted to the wants of the
struggling settlers. About 1839-40 it was sold to Abraham Daughenbaugh, who
moved it to the rear of Henderson's store, where it stood for several years.

   In 1836 a school was taught in the court house by Charles W. O'Neal and Miss
Sarah Eldridge, and in 1837, 1838 and 1839 school was held in the same building.
The whole village then composed one school district of Findlay Township, and the
directors paid to the county at the rate of $20 per annum for the use of a room
in the court house. Miss Sarah A. Baldwin taught in the public schools of the
village .about this time, and also some years afterward as Mrs. Merriam; and in
1839 George Patterson taught in a room on the east side of Main Street,
immediately north of Sandusky. Alexander Adair taught in the old Methodist
Church on Main Cross Street about 1840, while the old Presbyterian Church on
Crawford was occupied for a public school in 1839-40, with Daniel Woodward and
John Sours as the teachers in charge. In 1840 a two-story frame of four rooms
was built upon the same lot on Crawford Street, where the log schoolhouse
formerly stood, by Abraham Daughenbaugh and Jonathan Parker, which was opened in
the winter of 1840-41. This was used some six or seven, years, and for reasons
now forgotten was then abandoned. Besides those teachers previously mentioned.
Miss Hannah Rawson, Rev. Simon Peck, Erastus Thompson. Aaron H. Bigelow, Abel F.
Parker and daughter Julia A., Miss Phoebe J. Wilson, William P. Wilson, Enos W.
and William Thomas, Eunice Wade, Mr. Washburn, Miss Terry, Aaron and John
Blackford, Miss Jane E. Bigelow, Miss Clarinda Green. John M. Christian and
wife, John H. Reid, Levi J. Flenner, Miss Ruth A. Wilson, Mr. Lowry, Miss Mary
Vail, John Bowman, Miss Sarah Smith, Miss Ann Wright. Thomas Caton, Mr. Ballard,
David Lamb, Samuel A. Spear and wife, P. D. Pelton and wife, James Hayes and
wife, Alonzo L. Kimber, J. B. Hall and wife, John E. Morris, Hugh L. McKee, Miss
Clara J. Henderson, Miss Mary Parsons, Abraham Harritt. Miss Sarah Peck, William
Russell, and, doubtless, others, taught in either the public or private schools
of the village at quite an early date, and may be classed among the pioneer
teachers of Findlay.

   A few years after the frame on Crawford Street was built, Alexander Adair pat
up a building on Sandusky Street, and opened a private school. In 1847-48 the
academy occupied this building, and it was subsequently utilized by the public
schools. It was small and inconvenient, and. to increase its seating capacity, a
gallery was built along the south and west sides. The Rummell Block now stands
upon the site of this old school-house.

   In the meantime the village had been divided into three or four districts,
but upon the abandonment of the old frame schoolhouse on Crawford Street, which
all had previously patronized, none of the districts possessed a separate
building. A school was then opened in the rear part of Jonathan Parker's frame,
which stood on the site of Patterson's Block, and taught by a Mr. Lowry, who was
succeeded by Miss Mary Vail and John Bowman. The children of District No. 9
attended this school until the erection of the brick on Hardin Street. In 1850 a
proposition was submitted to the voters of the town to organize the schools
under the graded system, and to repair and reoccupy the old building on Crawford
Street, which had been vacant for several years and fast going to ruin, but the
scheme was defeated. District No. 9 then decided to organize under the Akron
School Law, and erect a schoolhouse in that district. On February '24, 1851, the
directors of No. 9 purchased of John B. Hull, Lot 54 on West Hardin Street,
built a brick house of two rooms and opened a two-teacher school, in the fall of
that year with James Hayes and wife in charge. Two years afterward the Union
School District was organized, but No. 9 refused to become a part thereof.
School was held in the Hardin Street building for thirteen years, and it was
then sold to Michael Gaudert, and. remodeled, is now the home of Miss Julia A.
Parker. In the spring of 1864 the directors of No. 9 bought an acre of ground on
West Lincoln Street of D. J. Cory, and built a large two-story brick of four
rooms, which was completed and opened October 5, of that year, with J. S.
Vanhorn, as superintendent. His successors have been Wallace Taylor, F. H.
Tufts, A. G. Grouse, C. N. Vancleve, J. N. Doty and C. B. Metcalf. In 1870 a
mansard roof was put on furnishing the building with a good hall, while the
heating apparatus in the basement heats the whole building. This school is in a
very flourishing condition, and is regarded as equal to those in the Union
School District. The site, building and furniture of No. 9 schoolhouse cost
about $20,000.

   In April, 1851, the directors of District No. 11 purchased Lot 45, on West
Front Street, of D. J. Cory, and erected a small brick schoolhouse the same
year. The balance of the village, outside of District No. 9, rented rooms for
school purposes, and thus the school interests dragged along till the passage of
the act of March 14, 1853, which gave an impetus to the cause of education all
over the State. Under that law a general reorganization took place, and graded
schools were established on a firm basis.

   The Union School District of Findlay was organized soon after the passage of
that act, and a board of education, consisting of Parlee Carlin, Ezra Brown and
N. Y. Mefford, elected. In October, 1853, the board divided the district into
three subdistricts, viz.: 1, 2 and 4, which embraced all of the village except
that portion included in the independent District No. 9. They employed Alonzo L.
Kimber to teach No. 1, John Bowman in No. 2, and John E. Morris in No. 4, each
receiving a salary of $28 per month. Miss Clara J. Henderson was hired at $18.66
per month to assist John E. Morris, and Miss Martha O. Main as the assistant of
John Bowman, at $12 per month. The schools opened under the new regime in the
fall of 1853, in the old Methodist Church on East Main Cross Street, and the
little brick schoolhouse on Front Street, and the term lasted four months. The
two-story frame schoolhouse on Crawford Street, which by agreement had become
the property of the Union District, was in a badly wrecked condition, and
considerable repairing was necessary before it could be occupied. In 1854 the
building was repaired and fitted up by the board, several hundred dollars being
expended upon it, and in the fall of that year, the schools took possession.
Alonzo L. Kimber was appointed superintendent of the Union District at a salary
of $35 per month. John Bowman was assigned to the Front Street building at $28
per month, and Mrs. Malinda Vance and Miss Martha J. Powell were engaged as
assistants at $22 per month each. The schools kept open for seven months in
1854-55, and the following year the full school term of ten months was adopted.
The schools were now on the road to success, and it was only a question of time
when they would attain a high degree of efficiency.

   The successive members of the board of education of the Union District, up to
April, 1861, were Parlee Carlin, Ezra Brown, N. Y. Mefford, John Custer, Henry
Guntner, Henry Porch, George W. Galloway, W. K. Pray, G. J. Rogers, Daniel B.
Beardsley, David Goucher and Henry Byal, These may be called the pioneer members
of the board, which is the only reason we have for giving their names.

   With the growth of the schools more room soon became necessary, and an old
salaratus factory on the corner of Hardin and East Streets was rented and fitted
up for school pi\rposes. In 1855-56 a school was opened here in charge of Miss
Ruth A. Wilson, who taught there four years, and was then succeeded by Miss Mary
Mungen. This old schoolhouse was a low frame building with but one room, yet,
poor as it was, there are many men and women now living who remember with
liveliest pleasure the days they spent there acquiring the rudiments of an
education. Remodeled and rebuilt it is now occupied by Mrs. Kimmel as a residence.
   Mr. Kimber was succeeded as superintendent by a Mr. Thomas, and then came
Profs. William K. Leonard, Samuel A. Spear, Ephraim Miller, William S. Wood, C.
F. Palmer and J. W. Zeller in the order named, and these have been the
superintendents of the district since its organization. Mr. Spear was appointed
in 1859, and his assistants were John Bowman, Miss Harriet Alban, Miss Mary J.
Watt, Miss E. Paisley, Misses Eliza J. and Mary Mungen and Miss L. Coffinberry.
Mr. Spear is best remembered as principal of the Academical Institute, and
subsequent founder of the Home Companion, of which the Jeffersonian is the
lineal successor.

   In May, 1860, the board decided to establish a primary school in North
Findlay, and the following July Lot 13, in Taylor's Addition, was purchased,
upon which a small brick building was erected, at a cost of $650. and occupied
in the fall of the same year. The old academy building on West Sandusky Street
was subsequently rented from Mr. Galloway, who had purchased the property, and
this building was utilized by the Union District a few years.

   The time had now arrived when the Union Schools demanded better
accommodations. But the board concluded to first try and unite the whole town
under the Union School system, and in 1865 the authorities of District No. 9
were approached on the subject. That district again refused to unite, and
replied that the people of No. 9 possessed good schools and ample
accommodations, and had no desire to enter the Union District. In September,
1865, the electors of the Union District, by a vote of 156 to 63, authorized the
board to purchase a site and erect a two-story brick building estimated to cost
$18,000. June 28, 1866, a plat of ground, then known as "The Park." located on
East Sandusky Street, was purchased for the sum of $2,000, and the foundation
constructed during the following autumn. Early in 1867 the work was pushed
vigorously, but in August the plans were so changed as to include another story,
wherein a fine exhibition hall is located, and in September, 1868, the structure
was completed and occupied by the Union Schools. George W. Myers. George W.
Galloway and James Harsh were the board under whose administration the building
was erected.

It is a massive three-story brick with a fine basement and a mansard roof, and,
including the heating apparatus and furniture, cost about $36,000. Two towers,
each ninety-one feet in height, grace the front of the building, which it is
claimed will accommodate 500 pupils. It is known as the "High School Building,"
and ten teachers are now employed in this school, which takes a leading rank
among the educational institutions of northwestern Ohio.

   The old brick schoolhouse and lot on Front Street was sold to B. F. Hyatt in
May, 1868; and the same year the frame on the corner of Crawford and East
Streets was removed to the west end of Crawford, where some lots for a school
site had been previously purchased. The old lot near the depot was sold in
March, 1869, to George H. Crook, and thus, after being used for more than forty
years as a school site, it passed beyond such staid purposes and is now the site
of a saloon. The building, however, was destined for a much better fate. It was
occupied as a school for about twelve years longer, and then removed to the rear
of Buck & Beimund's carriage factory, where it is yet doing good service as a
part of that establishment.
   February 12, 1877, the district voted in favor of erecting a new school
building in North Findlay. as the old one had become too small for the growing
wants of that part of the town. In August, 1872, two lots adjoining the old site
had been purchased by the board of education, and a good roomy site was now
ready for a new building. In March, 1877, the contract was let to S. H. Cramer,
to be completed the following August at a cost of $5,547.41. Its school capacity
is about 200, and it is a substantial two-story mansard-roofed brick building of
four rooms, with heating apparatus in the basement, and is fully adequate to the
school needs of North Findlay.

   Another school building was still necessary, to replace the old frame at the
west end of Crawford Street, and in May, 1881, Joseph Fleming, of Toledo, was
awarded the contract for the sum of $13,012. The structure was finished in the
spring of 1882, and will compare favorably with any of the older buildings. It
is a two-story brick with mansard roof, and contains eight rooms, all finished
and furnished in the best and most approved style. It has a capacity of about
320 pupils. In the basement is the heating apparatus which cost $2,000, and from
basement to garret comfort and convenience pervade the whole building.

   The public schools of Findlay need not fear comparison with any other town of
its size in the State. Twenty-three teachers are employed therein throughout the
full school year, including the two superintendents. The enumeration in the
Union School District is 1,363, and the average enrollment 960; while that of
No. 9 is 217 and 160, respectively. The total school enumeration of the village
is thus 1,580. and the total enrollment, 1,120.

   The Findlay Academical Institute and the Hancock Wesleyan Seminary were two
of the pioneer schools of Findlay. The former was chartered March 4, 1845, the
incorporators being as follows: John Ewing, William Taylor, Frederick Henderson,
William L. Henderson, Dr. David Patton, Hiram Smith, Edson Goit, Hugh Newell and
Squire Carlin. On the 4th of September, 1847, the board of directors, of which
Hugh Newell was president and Dr. Patton secretary, purchased a two-story frame
house and lot on East Main Cross Street, of N. Y. Mefford, for the sum of $500.
Here the institute was first opened on Monday, October 4, 1847, by John M.
Christian, A. B., principal, and Mrs. P. E. Christian, assistant. A
high-sounding prospectus was issued in August. 1847, giving terms and setting
forth the merits of the institute, from which we make the following quotation:

   "The course of instruction will embrace every branch of a complete English
and Classical Education, and no efforts will be spared to furnish the pupils
with every facility for acquiring a correct and thorough knowledge of those
studies usually pursued in our best seminaries of learning. Students who may be
desirous of entering college may be fitted for an advanced standing of one or
two years; and particular attention will be given to the preparation of teachers
for the various and responsible duties of their profession. It is confidently
believed, in view of the experience of the instructors, the well known moral and
religious character and healthy situation of the village, that the institution
will be found worthy of the confidence and patronage of the community."

   The building on Main Cross Street was soon found unsuited for the purpose,
and the school was removed to the frame schoolhouse built by Alexander Adair, on
East Sandusky Street, where Rummell's Block now stands. Upon the expiration of
its first year, in the summer of 1848, the academy was closed, and not again
opened for three years. In July, 1848, four lots on West Sandusky Street were
bought of Dr. William H. Baldwin; and in February, 1849, the property on Main
Cross Street was sold to Jesse Wolf, and is now the site of C. A. Croninger's
residence. A two-story brick of two rooms was subsequently erected on the lots
purchased of Dr. Baldwin, and April 28, 1851, the academy was again opened with
Samuel A. Spear, principal, and his wife, Mrs. M. L. Spear, assistant. The board
of directors at this time were Hugh Newell, William Taylor, Jesse Wheeler, John
Ewing, Frederick Henderson, Dr. David Patton, Jesse Wolf. Edson Goit and William
L. Henderson. Mr. Newell was still president of the board, and Dr. Patton
secretary. In the spring of 1853 the institute was reorganized under a
legislative act for the incorporation of colleges, academies, etc., as "The
Findlay Male and Female Seminary." The academy at this time contained a large
number of students, and was in a very prosperous condition, as the Union School
District had not yet been organized, and the children attended the academy; but
with the organization of that district, in the fall of 1853, the attendance
dwindled away, and the institute became non-supporting. In June, 1854, Mr. Spear
started the Home Companion, and a year afterward resigned his position as
superintendent of the academy. He was succeeded by his brother-in-law. Hugh L.
McKee, who conducted the school one year, and it was then closed; the history of
the academy ending at the same time. In November, 1860, the property was sold to
George W. Galloway for the sum of $800, and was subsequently rented for a few
years by the board of education of the Union School District. The building was
afterward torn down, and the material used by Mr. Galloway in the erection of
his present business place on Main Street.

   The Hancock Wesleyan Seminary was started in the spring of 1851, by the
Methodists, in opposition to the academy, which they regarded as a Presbyterian
school. The seminary was held in the old Methodist Church on East Main Cross
Street, with Prof. P. D. Pelton and wife as principal and assistant,
respectively;, but though they were excellent teachers, the school had a brief
career, yet it contributed its mite toward the cause of education during the
year or two of its existence.

   Findlay College, the most recent addition to the schools of Findlay, will
open its first term September 1, 1886, and we believe it is destined to be one
of the leading educational institutions of Ohio. While the establishment of a
college, under the auspices of the "Church of God," has been in contemplation
for many years, the initial movement looking to that end took definite shape in
a resolution introduced at the general eldership held at Findlay in 1881. That
body authorized the committee on education to take the proper steps to form an
incorporation and to select a location for the proposed institution. Findlay was
selected as the most appropriate site for the college, and on the 23d of
January, 1882, articles of incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State,
"Findlay College" being the name adopted. The incorporators were Jeremiah M.
Carvell, Robert L. Byrnes, Isaac Schrader, Tobias Koogle, Jacob M. Cassel,
Anderson C. Heck, John C. Strickler and George F. Pendleton, the four last
mentioned being citizens of Hancock County. The board of incorporators met at
Findlay, February 8, 1882, and the board of trustees, previously recommended by
the executive board of the general eldership, appeared and signed their names to
the articles of incorporation, and were duly qualified. The board then organized
by the election of the following temporary officers: Isaac Frazer. president;
Eli G. De Wolfe, secretary; E. P. Jones, treasurer. Executive, finance,
building, library and cabinet committees were appointed at the same time. The
first annual meeting of the board was held at Findiay, June 21. 1882, when a
permanent organization was effected, by-laws adopted, and a large amount of
preliminary business transacted.

   On the 18th of October, 1882, the board again met for the purpose of
considering plans for a college building, when those submitted by M. Rumbaugh
were accepted. The architect was directed to prepare complete plans and
specifications, and sealed proposals for the erection of said building were
ordered to be advertised for. The bids were opened March 6, 1883, but none were
accepted for the reason that they were not within the $50,000, to which the
board had by previous resolution limited the cost of the building. The contract
was finally let June 20, 1883, to Pierce & Coleman for the sum of 149,000, to be
finished according to the plans and specifications. The work was soon afterward
commenced, and on Sunday, the 25th of May, 1884, the corner-stone was laid with
imposing ceremonies in the presence of a very large assemblage. Under the
contract the building was to be completed by April, 1885, and the college opened
the following autumn, but unforeseen obstacles prevented the consummation of
these plans until the present year. The total cost of the building has largely
exceeded the estimate, and when finished and furnished throughout will,
doubtless, reach the sum of $60,000. In comparison with other institutions in
their infancy, Findlay College is unsurpassed in the rapidity of its growth and
fortunate escapes from reverses, which threatened the very existence of some of
our oldest and best institutions. From the beginning the work has moved steadily
on, though perhaps not quite as fast at times as some not experienced in such
work had anticipated. During the last year work upon the building ceased, owing
to the pressure of the times and the unswerving resolution of the board to keep
free from debt by paying as they went. But even during this time, other
departments of the work went steadily forward. When we consider what has been
already accomplished, together with the fact that one hundred cents have been
paid on every dollar of indebtedness, and that no encumbrance whatever rests
upon the college property, there is room for congratulations upon the success
already achieved.

   The college is located in North Findlay, about one mile from the post-office,
being conveniently near the business part of the city for all practical
purposes, and sufficiently removed to secure proper attention to college work.
>From the third floor of the building one may get a commanding view of Findlay
and its surroundings. The building is a large, commodious and elegant structure,
and when fully completed will not only be massive and imposing in its
appearance, but its convenience and adaptability cannot help but provoke
favorable criticism. It is 171 feet 8 inches in length, 107 feet 3 inches in
depth, four stories in height, exclusive of the attic and including basement,
with a main corridor in each story running the entire length of the building,
from which other corridors lead to the various apartments. The building affords
sixteen recitation rooms, laboratory, lecture room, museum, a unique library, a
novel and well arranged chapel, capable of seating 800 students comfortably, and
four large society rooms, 40x50 feet, besides double parlors and well arranged
public and private offices. It stands in about the middle of a campus including
ten acres of ground, on all sides of which will be a driveway 50 feet in width,
except Main Street, which is 100 feet wide and on which the college building
faces. The campus is to be nicely graded, laid out with walks and drives and
ornamented with shrubbery, when it will be at once an attractive and inspiring
place for the admirer of learning and art.

   The press and the school are so closely allied in the cause of spreading
knowledge and enlightenment, that it will not be inappropriate to give the
history of the newspapers of Findlay in the same chapter with its schools. The
Courier was the pioneer newspaper of the county, and is now in its fiftieth
year. It was established by Jacob Rosenberg and first issued, as The Findlay
Courier, November 10, 1836. Mr. Rosenberg was a native of Bedford County, Penn.,
born October 13, 1811, and there received a fair education. He learned the art
of printing in the office of the Farmer, in Millersburg, Ohio, whence he had
removed from his native place, and in the fall of 1836 took up his residence in
Findlay. The Courier was first a five-column folio printed on a sheet 18x26 in
size, but after a few months it was somewhat enlarged. From a copy of the paper
handed us by its present editor, dated "Findlay, October 12, 1837," and headed
"Volume I, No. 41," the average reader might infer that the Courier had its
inception in January, 1837, but the paper was issued very irregularly during the
early part of its existence, which accounts for the seeming contradiction
between the number spoken of and the date of the first issue. As a matter of
some interest to the investigating reader, we here give a verbatim copy of the
terms under which the Courier was published in 1837:

    "The Findlay Courier will be printed every Thursday, at the moderate rate of
2 dollars per annum, payable within the year, or two dollars and fifty cents
will invariably be charged if payment is delayed until the year has expired. No
subscription will be taken for a shorter period than six months, and no paper
discontinued until all arrearages are paid up, unless at the option of the editor.

   "Advertisements not exceeding one square will be inserted three times for one
dollar; and twenty-five cents for each subsequent insertion. A fair deduction
will be made to those advertising by the year.

   "Country produce will be taken in payment of one-half of the subscription, if
delivered in Findlay before the year expires."

   Upon the close of the first volume the name was changed to The Findlay
Courier and Hancock and Putnam Democratic Shield, a title sufficiently lengthy,
no doubt, to satisfy its readers. But it was then the official organ of Putnam,
as well as of Hancock County, and the name was adopted to please its patrons in
both. The Courier was also enlarged at this time to a six-column folio, 21x31
inches in dimensions, but printing paper was then very scarce, and the Courier
would occasionally be issued at a reduced size, though for several years it
remained a six-column paper. From 1836 to 1840, and perhaps longer, printing
paper was $7 per ream delivered in Fibdlay, and difficult to purchase at that
price, while the sheet was not half so large as it is to-day. In January, 1840,
Mr. Rosenberg sold the Courier to Henry Bishop, and subsequently started the
Hancock Farmer. He possessed considerable local influence in the Democratic
party, and was elected sheriff in October, 1838, and re-elected to the same
office, serving until November, 1842. It is said that he was a "plain, terse and
forcible writer," but there is nothing in the old numbers of his paper from
which to form such an opinion, as they are made up principally of selected
matter, political and foreign news (copied) and advertisements, with
occasionally a few lines of local news, or brief editorial comments. Mr.
Rosenberg married Mrs. Delia Hollabaugh, widow of Martin Hollabaugh, and in the
fall of 1840 opened a hotel in the old frame court house, which he had
previously purchased and remodeled, and here died in October, 1844. His widow
married Jacob Carr, a pioneer dentist of Findlay, and is still a resident of the
village.

   Mr. Bishop issued his first number January 24, 1840, as The Findlay Courier,
thus going back to its original title. He began a new series, and published the
paper until July 1, 1845, when he was succeeded by William Mungen. In 1850 Mr.
Bishop was elected to the Legislature to represent Hancock and Wyandot Counties,
and in 1851 he was re-elected under the new constitution as the representative
of Hancock. He had previously removed to a farm in Eagle Township, and was
drowned in Eagle Creek. June 18, 1855. His brother, John D. Bishop, was one of
the pioneers of that township, and both have descendants living in the county.

   Mr. Mungen, prior to purchasing the Courier, in June, 1845, had been engaged
in publishing the Hancock Farmer. He took charge of that office in February,
1845, the paper, through the death of Mr. Rosenberg the previous fall, being for
sale, and conducted the Farmer until he bought the Courier, when he consolidated
the papers as the Democratic Courier, first issued July 1, 1845. From a file of
the Courier of 1846 and 1847, now in possession of Col. Mungen, we find that
during those years a vigorous political and personal warfare was waged between
the Courier and Herald, the latter being the Whig organ, and then edited by
James M. Coffinberry, now of Cleveland, Ohio. In January, 1849, Mr. Mungen
rented the office to W. M. Case, who began a new series with many promises, but
Mr. Mungen was finally obliged to do most of the editorial work, as "Mood" Case
was one of those good-natured, lazy cases, who bother themselves very little
about the active duties of life. At the close of Case's lease Mr. Mungen rented
the office to Benjamin F. Rosenberg, a son of the founder, and in January, 1851,
sold the paper to Henry Brown and Aaron Blackford. Col. Mungen is yet a resident
of Findlay, and a brief sketch of him will be found in the chapter on the
judiciary.

   Messrs. Brown & Blackford intended to make their paper sufficiently
Democratic without retaining that title at the head of their columns, so they at
once changed the name to The Hancock Courier, and began a new series. The
present name and numbering date from that time. The Courier was a sis-column
paper from the fall of 1837 to July 28, 1852, when it was enlarged to a
seven-column folio, printed on a sheet 24x36 inches, and so remained up to
December, 1865. In January, 1854, Mr. Brown sold his interest to Mr. Blackford,
who, in partnership with his brother, John, ran the paper one year, and then
disposed of it to Mr. Brown. The Courier was printed by Alpheus M. Hollabaugh (a
step-son of Jacob Rosenberg) from May, 1851, to July, 1852, when he was
succeeded by W. F. Gilkison, who ran the office until the close of 1855, and
Benjamin F. Rosenberg then bought whatever interest he had in the material of
the office. Mr. Brown conducted the Courier until December 20, 1856, and then
sold out to Mr. Rosenberg. It had at that time a circulation of nearly 900
copies, and was a vigorous exponent of Democratic principles. The annual
subscription price was $1.50, $2 and $2.50, according to the time paid. A
perusal of the files during Mr. Brown's editorial control will convince the most
skeptical that he believed in no half-way measures in politics. His blows were
dealt with that earnest, peculiar vigor characteristic of the man, and if his
articles did not always convert they generally implanted a large grain of doubt
in the minds of his political opponents as to the justice and honesty of their
views. Mr. Brown soon became quite popular with his party, and has received many
favors in recognition of his services.

   Mr. Rosenberg was sole proprietor of the Courier until July 18. 1857, on
which date Alpheus M. Hollabaugh bought the office. The latter published the
paper until its purchase by Lewis Glessner & Son, in March, 1861. Mr. Rosenberg
died in Findlay in 1869, and Mr. Hollabaugh in 1871. The former was a son of
Jacob Rosenberg, and came to Findlay with his parents in the fall of 1836. Here
his mother died, and his father married Mrs. Delia Hollabaugh, widow of Martin
Hollabaugh, a pioneer of 1835, and mother of Alpheus M. Hollabaugh. The boys
thus grew up as members of one family, and both were practical printers.

   With the advent of the Messrs. Glessner the Courier entered upon a more
prosperous career than it had previously enjoyed. The first number under L.
Glessner & Son was issued March 8, 1861, and a little more than a month
afterward the civil war broke out. That was a trying period for newspapers,
especially those of Democratic proclivities, but the new proprietors were
experienced newspaper men, and the Courier buffeted the wave of political
passion and prejudice successfully. With the close of 1864 the father retired
from the paper, disposing of his interest to his son and previous partner, W. L.
Glessner, and removed to Newark, Ohio, where he purchased and published the
Newark Advocate. In December, 1865, with the beginning of Volume XVI, the
Courier was enlarged to an eight column folio, 26x38 inches in size. It was
successfully conducted by W. L. Glessner until May 3, 1866, on which date his
last number was issued. His father again took the editorial helm, this time as
sole proprietor, the son removing to Toledo and purchasing the Record of that
city. The Courier's circulation at that time was 1,000 paying subscribers, and
in two years this list was swelled to 1,300. In September, 1868, the paper was
enlarged to a nine-column folio, and has so remained up to the present. Mr.
Glessner conducted the Courier until his death, March 13, 1869, previous to
which event he had erected the "Courier Block," on Sandusky Street, and occupied
a portion of the building with his printing office. Since the death of Mr.
Glessner the paper has been published by his widow, with Fred H. Glessner as
editor and business manager. The Courier is in a prosperous and flourishing
condition, claims a circulation of 1,800 copies, and a first-class job office is
run in connection with the paper. It is the only Democratic paper published in
the county, and as such is the official organ, and receives the support of that
party. The history of the Courier goes back to the days when Hancock County was
just emerging from its primitive condition, and Findlay a straggling hamlet of
cabins. It has published the obituaries of several opposition papers during the
period of nearly fifty years that it has been doing battle for the Democracy,
but it has never wavered in its allegiance to the best interests of the party,
and from its infancy up to its present vigorous manhood has ever battled for
what it regarded as the rights and liberties of the people.

   The Hancock Republican was established by Arnold F. Merriam, in January,
1838, and was the first Whig paper published in the county. We have been unable
to find a copy of the Republican, but Mrs. Sarah A. Strother, who was then the
wife of Mr. Merriam, says it was issued about one year and was about the size of
the Courier. Mr. Merriam was a bright young lawyer who came to Findlay in the
spring of 1835, and practiced law until his removal to Mansfield, Ohio, in 1839,
where he sold the press and material of the Republican. He married Miss Sarah A.
Baldwin, of Findlay, sister of Dr. William H. Baldwin, and died in Kentucky in
1844. His widow returned to Findlay and taught school for many years,
subsequently becoming the wife of Judge Robert L. Strother. She is still among
the old and honored residents of the town. From a column of comments on the
early press, published in the Journal, in 1852, we learn that the general
appearance and typography of the Republican was very good for the time, and its
columns singularly free from personal abuse.

   The Hancock Farmer was started by Jacob Rosenberg, in 1842, as a Democratic
paper in favor of nominating candidates by, the delegate system instead of by
popular vote, the latter system being then advocated by Mr. Bishop, of the
Courier. The Farmer was published by Mr. Rosenberg until his death in October,
1844, and afterward by the administrator, Jacob Barnd. Early in 1845 William
Mungen took possession of the office, and issued his first number February 19 of
that year. Toward the close of June Mr. Mungen purchased the Courier and
consolidated the papers as the Democratic Courier. The Fanner was a six-column
folio, published at $2 per annum, but it did not have a very large circulation,
as the county could not support two Democratic papers at that time.

   The Western Herald was the second Whig paper started in Findlay. It was
established by John T. Ford in January, 1845, in the second story of the old
frame building yet standing on the southeast corner of Main and Sandusky
Streets, and known as the Baldwin Corner. The Herald was edited and published by
Mr. Ford until October 5, 1845, when James M. Coffinberry obtained an interest
in the paper. Mr. Coffinberry was then a talented young lawyer of Maumee City,
and had previously edited the Maumee River Times. In a copy of the Courier now
before us, of October 7, 1845, the new editor of the Herald is spoken of in
complimentary terms. In a letter received from Judge Coffinberry, who has been a
resident of Cleveland since 1855, he gives the following account of his first
connection with the Herald: "When I made the acquaintance of the Herald, in the
fall of 1845, it was owned and conducted by John Tivis Ford. I purchased a half
interest and we ran it jointly—he as publisher and I as editor. I subsequently
bought him out and conducted it alone as long as I had money or credit to keep
it going. I vainly hoped to convert the Democracy of Hancock County from the
error of their ways; now I am glad to believe that they with their party
everywhere will stand by their colors and live and die in the faith of true
Jeffersonian Democracy. When I purchased Mr. Ford's interest the Herald was
printed on a little, old, decrepit wooden Ramage press. I bought a Franklin
press of John C. Gilkinson, of Mansfield, Ohio, which was quite an affair at
that time and place. My predecessor, Ford, was an intelligent, sensible man, and
afterward became a conductor on the Findlay branch of the Mad River & Lake Erie
Railroad." In January, 1846, the name of the paper was changed to the Findlay
Herald, and it was edited and published by Mr. Coffinberry until January, 1848,
when he sold the office to Dr. David Patton, and the paper was then suspended.

   In September, 1848, Robert Coulter came to Findlay, purchased the Herald
office, and began the publication of a six-column folio paper called The Hancock
Whig. He conducted the Whig until February, 1850, and then sold out to William
P. Resznor, a man of good education and considerable ability, but who at times
would become demented and unfit for business on account of a serious injury to
his brain caused by the kick of a horse. Mr. Resznor ran the Whig only about
seven months, disposing of it to George G. Lyon in September, 1850. Mr. Lyon
possessed great energy, and, with the hope of benefiting the paper, changed its
name to The Hancock Journal. In July, 1851, Mr. Coulter, who on selling out to
Mr. Resznor, had removed to Springfield, Ohio, returned to Findlay, and again
became editor and publisher of the paper. In his salutatory, July 25, 1851, he
says: "We shall not change the heading of our paper to what it was, under our
former administration, but let it remain as the Hancock Journal. But this much
we will say, let no one imagine that we are less a Whig than if it was entitled
the Hancock Whig. The paper now contains four columns of matter more than when
we published it, and the columns are considerably longer, thus increasing at
least one-third the amount of reading matter." The Journal was at this time a
seven-column folio 24x36 inches in size, and its annual subscription was $1.50,
$2.00 and $2.50, according to time of payment. Mr. Coulter was a man of some
talent, and was postmaster of Findlay about six months, but he was rather fond
of the intoxicating cup, and after publishing the paper until July, 1852, he got
"to the end of his rope" and the Journal suspended publication. On the 21st of
August, 1852, the office was sold by James M. Coffinberry, attorney for George
G. Lyon and certain other creditors, and thus closed the life of another
journalistic enterprise.

   The Home Companion was established by Samuel A. Spear, and its first number
issued June 8, 1854. It was a seven-column folio, printed on a sheet 25x37
inches in size, and published at $1.50 per annum. In his salutatory Mr. Spear
says: "We have no definite line of policy marked out, as our paper will have no
party connection. We shall, however, labor earnestly to sustain the prohibitory
liquor law; and will at all times advocate the principles of the temperance
cause. We will labor, also, to promote the cause of education and the elevation
and improvement of our schools, as we feel deeply interested in both those
subjects. We shall oppose most strenuously every measure calculated to establish
a debasing sectional interest at the expense of moral principles and the common
good of the country: and, of course, will be found ever ready to combat anything
of the character of the Nebraska bill." Mr. Spear came to Findlay in the spring
of 1851, as principal of the Findlay Academical Institute, with which he was
connected four years. He was a finely educated gentleman, and established the
Companion with the idea of building up an independent, literary journal; but
with the beginning of Volume II, in June, 1855, the Companion came out in
support of the new-born Republican party. In the spring of 1856 his
brother-in-law, Hugh L. McKee, obtained an interest in the paper, and was
associated with Mr. Spear about one year, retiring April 24, 1857. Previous to
his connection with the Companion Mr. McKee was superintendent of the academy,
having succeeded Mr. Spear in 1855.

   On June 19, 1857, the name of the paper was changed to The Hancock
Jeffersonian, which came out as an eight-column folio, 26x38 inches in
dimensions, but remained at the old price, $1.50 per annum. In announcing the
change of name Mr. Spear made the following explanation: "The title we have
adopted we consider more in conformity with the position we occupy on questions
of a political character. When we established our paper in this county parties
had become so completely revolutionized that it was difficult to determine what
position would be finally taken. We, therefore, thought it prudent not to
identify our paper with any party: hence the title assumed. The formation of the
Republican party, subsequently, having in view the propagation of principles
essentially Republican, met our entire approbation, and we therefore gave it our
hearty support, as we intend to do in future, as long as it preserves its
integrity." The Jeffersonian was conducted by  Mr. Spear until November 22,
1861, when it suspended, the editor giving as the reasons therefor the
experiencing "to the fullest extent, the pressure which the local press has been
suffering since the outbreak of the present war." and his patrons seeming "not
to realize that money is essential to the success of a publisher." In 1859 Mr.
Spear became superintendent of the Union School District, and filled that
position while at the same time conducting his paper. His last teaching was a
private school in the Joy House Block. He died in Findlay, in 1863. During his
connection with the press Mr. Spear was recognized as a high-minded, talented,
scholarly writer of varied and wide information, while his social character was
above reproach.

   After a few weeks Mr. D. R. Locke, of Bucyrus, Ohio, came to Findlay and
resuscitated the Jeffersonian. Under the new management the paper was reduced to
a seven-column folio, because of the great increase in the price of printing
material. Soon after taking charge of the Jeffersonian Mr. Locke commenced
writing the "Nasby Papers," which won for him a national reputation. These
letters first appeared in the Jeffersonian, and were extensively copied by the
Republican press all over the Union. Mr. Locke is now editor and proprietor of
the Toledo Blade, and one of the wealthy men of that city. In September, 1864,
Irvin S. Chamberlin, of Findlay, purchased an interest in the Jeffersonian, and
in February, 1865, Mr. Locke sold his remaining interest and removed to Toledo,
Otis T. Locke and Irvin S. Chamberlin becoming editors and proprietors of the
paper. The following April C. N. Locke's name appears in editorial connection
with the Jeffersonian; but November 17, 1865, Mr. Chamberlin and C. N. Locke
retired, and Messrs. L. G. Thrall and Otis T. Locke became sole proprietors, the
former coming here from Columbus, Ohio. For some years he had been one of the
editors of the Columbus Gazette, and was afterward connected with the Ohio State
Journal. The new firm at once enlarged the paper from a seven to an eight-column
sheet, the same size as it had been under Mr. Spear. In July, 1866, Mr. Thrall
disposed of his interest to his partner, and C. N. Locke again became one of the
editors. W. G. Blymyer bought an interest in the Jeffersonian in December, 1866,
and the firm was then Locke & Blymyer. In June, 1867, they enlarged the paper to
a nine-column folio. C. N. Locke obtained an interest in February, 1868, and
Lockes & Blymyer were editors and proprietors until the following autumn,
issuing their last number September 4, 1868.

   E. G. De Wolfe and Dr. A. P. Miller, under the firm name of E. G. De Wolfe &
Co., then purchased the office. Mr. De Wolfe was an old, practical newspaper
man, and understood the business in all its details. He had occupied a
responsible post on the Ohio State Journal for some two years before coming to
Findlay; was recognized as an incisive, vigorous writer, of an extensive
experience in newspaper work, and well fitted to fill the position of editor and
publisher of one of the leading Republican papers in northwestern Ohio. On the
1st of April, 1870, the paper came out as The Findlay Jeffersonian, and enlarged
to a ten-column folio. In referring to the change the editor says: "Our paper is
now the largest country newspaper in the State, and we shall work hard to make
it the best." In January, 1873, O. J. De Wolfe, a brother of the editor, bought
Dr. Miller's interest in the Jeffersonian, and the De Wolfe brothers thus became
associated in editing and publishing the paper. After continuing the
Jeffersonian as a ten-column sheet until March 13, 1874, the publishers decided
to reduce the paper to its former size, viz.: a nine-column folio. Two years
afterward (March, 1876), O. J. De Wolfe sold out to his brother and removed to
Fostoria, where he has since resided. E. G. De Wolfe continued to edit and
publish the Jeffersonian until April 28, 1876, after which issue he retired from
the paper, having previously sold it to his old partner, Dr. A. P. Miller.
During his eight years' connection with the Jeffersonian Mr. De Wolfe largely
increased its influence and value, and labored earnestly and faithfully for the
best interests of the town and county, the dissemination of Republican
principles, and the success of his party.

   Before issuing a single number Dr. Miller sold the office to A. H. Balsley,
and May 5, 1876, the paper came out with the name of the latter at the head of
its columns as editor and proprietor. Mr. Balsley is a practical printer and has
for many years been in the newspaper field, as editor of the Grand River Review,
at Painesville. Ohio; St. Clairsville Independent, Plymouth Advertiser and
Fremont Journal ere coming to Findlay. He was therefore no novice, and was well
qualified for the work in hand. On the 5th of June. 1SS1. the name was changed
to the Findlay Weekly Jeffersonian, because the Daily was then called the
Findlay Daily Jeffersonian, but no material change has been made in the size or
general appearance of the paper, except that it has kept well up with the
growing wants of the people. Mr. Balsley now claims a circulation for the weekly
of about 2,000 copies, and a good job-office is connected with the paper. The
office is located in the Jeffersonian Block, on the south side of the public
square, erected by Mr. Balsley since taking possession of the Jeffersonian. The
Jeffersonian is a good family newspaper, and politically devoted to what its
editor regards as the best interests of the Republican party. Under Mr.
Balsley's management the Jeffersonian has not been so extremely partizan as
previously, and while giving its support to its party, has usually treated its
political opponents with an impartiality not often found in the arena of politics.

   The Daily Jeffersonian is issued from the same office, and was established as
an experiment November 15, 1880, and then called the Findlay Daily Jeffersonian.
The little five-column folio was received with such warm favor that Mr. Balsley
soon decided to make the Daily a permanent institution. Considerable credit is
due to the former local editor, W. S. Hammaker, for his efforts toward building
up the Daily, and making it a newsy, readable little sheet, welcome in hundreds
of homes. In February, 1883, the Daily was enlarged to a six-column paper, at
which size it remained till May 10,1886, when it was enlarged to a seven-column
folio. Its present circulation is placed by Mr. Balsley at about 850 copies, the
great majority of which are distributed in Findlay.

   The Reporter was the next journalistic enterprise established in Findlay. Its
first number was issued June 18, 1872, by C. G. & J. K. Barnd, editors and
proprietors, and was a five-column quarto paper published at $1.50 per annum.
The Reporter was started as an independent, literary paper,  and in their
salutatory the editors say:  " We shall reserve the liberty and exercise the
right to comment upon all subjects, commending what we believe to be right and
condemning what we regard as wrong, without stopping to ask what may be the
effect upon the personal or political prospects of any man or set of men whose
conduct or position bring them within the legitimate province of the
journalist." It was a well conducted, bright paper during the early part of its
existence, and soon attained a very respectable circulation. In October. 1872.
it increased its subscription price from $1.50 to $2, and the following December
J. K. Barnd sold out to his brother and subsequently removed to Kansas. At the
close of the first volume The Reporter counted 1,400 subscribers, but
unfortunately a large percentage of them were bad pay. Nevertheless the paper
was a brilliant success until early in its second year when it drifted into the
Grange movement, hoping thereby to become a great organ and attain national
celebrity among the farming community. But the change finally proved a mistake,
as in dropping, to a great extent, its independent, literary character, it also
lost the majority of its paying supporters without getting an equitable return
from the Grangers. The name was finally changed to the American Patron, and when
the Grange movement cooled off it became the Property Journal. It was published
some five years altogether, and then ceased to exist.

   Das Ohio Volksblatt. a German Democratic weekly paper, was started in 1877 by
Adolph G. Zwanzig. After publishing the paper about one year Zwanzig removed the
office to Lima, where it was subsequently sold by his creditors.

   The Findlay Weekly Republican was established by J. M. Beelman and James E.
Griswold, and the first number issued February 6, 1879. It was then a
seven-column folio and was started in opposition to the Jeffersonian, many
Republicans not regarding that paper as sufficiently "stalwart" to satisfy their
ideas of a party organ. In July, 1879, Mr. Griswold sold his interest to his
partner, who soon afterward enlarged the Republican to an eight-column folio. On
the 3d of January, 1881, E. G. De Wolfe, then postmaster of Findlay, and Jason
Blackford, a member of the Findlay bar, purchased an interest in the Republican,
The following October Mr. Blackford sold out to Mr. De Wolfe, and the paper was
subsequently enlarged to a nine-column folio, printed on a sheet 28x44 inches,
at which size it has since remained. Capt. H. H. Alban bought Mr. Beelman's
interest July 28, 1882, and the firm of De Wolfe & Alban have edited and
published the paper up to the present. The long newspaper experience of Mr. De
Wolfe and his well known unswerving devotion to his party, brought many
supporters to the Republican, while the wide acquaintance of Capt. Alban largely
assisted in building up a healthy subscription list. The editors of the
Republican evidently believe in no half-way measures or weak-kneed policy, and
while giving a large amount of local news and lending the aid of their paper to
all public or private enterprises, which they look upon as a benefit to the town
or county, they never forget their allegiance to those Republican principles of
which their paper is such a vigorous exponent and defender. The Republican now
claims a circulation of about 1,600 copies, and its proprietors run a good job
office in connection with the paper.

   The Findlay Daily Star was the last newspaper enterprise of the village. It
was established by Wr. S. Hammaker, and first issued August 21, 1882. The Star
was then a five-column folio, 20x24 inches in size, but November 6 following it
was enlarged to a six-column folio, printed on a sheet 22x30 inches. It was a
live, progressive little daily, thoroughly Democratic in politics, and during
its career of less than two years became a welcome friend in 550 homes and
business places. "Scott" Hammaker was a very popular editor, and possessed
considerable experience in newspaper work. He labored hard to furnish his
patrons with a good, readable paper, and during its existence it was generally
recognized as such. On the 21st of April, 1884, he sold the Star to A. H.
Balsley, of the Jeffersonian, and until his appointment to the postmastership of
Findlay, in the fall of 1885, was local editor of that paper.

   The growth and improvement in the newspapers of Findlay within the past
thirty years have been fully in keeping with the increase in population and
general wealth of the county at large. But we think the press has outstripped
all other institutions of the county; and if the quality and size of its
newspapers are accepted as indications of its prosperity, Findlay need not fear
a just comparison with similar sized towns throughout the State.


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